Not So Formal

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday September 26, 2007

ILSA CUNNINGHAM

Young women are choosing to step out in fun and flirty cocktail dresses instead of the more traditional floor-length gowns for their end-of-year parties. ILSA CUNNINGHAM reports.

It seems Cinderella has lost her tiara.

While floor-draping gowns and bejewelled headwear have been the pick in recent years for school-age princesses heading off to their end-of-year-formal, the times are changing.

Tradition is giving way to high spirits and a sense of fun as girls go glam with an edgy touch.

Standing out from the crowd is the hint for this year's crop of school leavers who are snapping up formal dresses rich in colour, pattern and texture.

Wollongong Studibaker co-manager Margaret Murray says edgier, funkier cocktail dresses are taking the market by storm.

"Six years ago it was all long gowns and tiaras, that's gone by the wayside now," Murray says.

"Girls are loving the bright colours - red, blue, aqua and lime green. A few years ago it was black, white and red. They're more adventurous now."

A long dress may at first glance seem more formal than a cocktail dress, but you can still look just as classy. Murray says accessorising through a flashy hairstyle, stunning jewellery and dressy shoes, adds elegance.

Figtree High School leaver Hayley Osborn has been planning the big night for months. A fortnight ago she bought her dress - a flowing jade halterneck with diamantes, and can't wait to step out at Kembla Grange on November 16.

"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up," she says.

Osborn and partner Matt Trowbridge plan to make an entrance, arriving with a few friends in a limousine.

STOCKISTS: Trenz Boutique, bridal and formal, 293 Crown St, Wollongong, Ph: 4225 0044. Studibaker, cnr Crown/Church sts Wollongong, Ph: 4226 4467. KC's Shoe Boutique, 35 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow, Ph: 4285 0999.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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